SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW: Clark Fork Golf returns after one-year absence from action

When approached about having a potential hand in bringing back the golf team to Clark Fork High, Patrick Young, head football coach, wasn't too keen on the idea. After a couple months of thinking about it, Young, now the new head coach of Wampus Cat golf, along with the help of fellow 2009 alumni Zach Anderson, put together a plan to make it happen.

In other words, in true Clark Fork fashion, the community "chipped" in when needed.

"The community is what really made this happen," coach Young said. "Zach and I are just here to help the school and allow an opportunity for kids to play golf. We worked together to make a schedule, and that's why practice starts at 4, because that's when Zach ends his bus route. All-in-all, it came down to the whole community working together so that we could do this."

Young, who has a fair amount of playing experience and knowledge, got six players to come out for this year's team. For the boys, they'll have enough for a full team with sophomore Mateo Cruz, freshman Jason Mayorga, junior Payton Stevens, sophomore Cameron Stewart and sophomore Haylyn Ashford-Brown all joining — Stevens the only one with prior golf experience.

This year's lone girl's golfer is freshman Gracie Stevens.

"I hope we can get a couple of kids in the 90s this year," coach Young said. "Payton is our most consistent golfer; he's played more than everybody else combined. We do have some kids with great athleticism and talent that will figure it out."

Young hasn't coached golf previously, so he's been getting some tips from some high-level locals and implementing them where possible, but it's not always easy. Wampus Park, located right behind the Clark Fork High track & field, is home to some holes, but the fairway greens are more like rough and there are no putting greens. For putting, the team has been using the carpet floor of the fieldhouse, which has a similar texture and feel.

"We're just getting used to the basics — chipping nice and soft especially. Every practice we come out and chip from about 20 to 30 yards out and do it over and over again. At the end, we'll all play one hole together," coach Young said.

The schedule isn't quite complete for the season, but the Wampus Cats are planning on heading to a couple of local invitationals at the Stoneridge Resort in Blanchard and at The Links in Post Falls.

"I'm pumped for the season," coach Young said. "The thing about golf is it's a game that you can play for the rest of your life. Something about getting out in the spring, playing on beautiful courses, being out in nature and listening to the birds... something about that is just so relaxing, all while playing a competitive game with your friends. This season is going to be a lot of fun. I'm looking forward to it."

Clark Fork Golf Schedule 

4/14 — @ The Links (Genesis Prep)

4/17 — @ Circling Raven (Lakeside) 

4/22 — @ Stoneridge Resort (Priest River) 

4/24 — @ Big Creek (Wallace) 

5/5 — @ 2A District Championship (TBD) 

5/12-13 — @ 2A State Championship (Burley)